An intensive orientation programme at the start of this postgraduate course will introduce you to theories and approaches within social work and develop your practical skills, ready for your first placement.
We’ll support you towards becoming a:
Qualified practitioner: preparing you for effective practice using a curriculum that focuses on critical engagement with the values, ethics, skills, and knowledge required to meet the complex challenges inherent in practice.
Professional: develop the qualities that represent the profession with integrity, demonstrate a commitment to accountability and in-depth understanding of the role of social work.
Social scientist: supporting you to be research-minded and critically reflective learners who transition into practice with an enthusiasm for life-long learning.
It’s likely that you’ll have to travel as part of your placement, so you’ll need your own transport to visit service users in the community, where public transport may not be available.
From communication skills to legal duties, professional decision-making to an understanding of socio-economic factors, our MA Social Work at ARU, Anglia Ruskin University will equip you fully for the challenges you’ll likely face in social work.
You may be eligible for a Social Work Bursary in either year of your studies. This can help with living and travel costs and doesn’t have to be repaid. Eligibility criteria is set by NHS Bursary and a quota of students do get the bursary each year.
Aims
Careers
You could build a career in the various branches of professional social work, including children’s services, adult services, mental health services, youth offending, residential social care and providing advocacy and support for vulnerable groups.
Modules & assessment
Year one, core modules
- Assessed Readiness for Direct Practice
- Social Work Knowledge, Values and Skills
- Well-being across the Life Course in a Diverse Society
- Developing Professional Social Work Practice
Year two, core modules
- Analytical Thinking and Decision-Making in Professional Social Work
- Powers, Duties and Accountability in Professional Social Work
- Dissertation
Core modules available in all years
- Placement
Please note that you will need to complete all of the above core modules. This course does not have any optional modules. Modules are subject to change.Assessment
We’ll assess you for your Master’s degree through academic assignments, practice debriefs and the portfolios you’ll build up, detailing your professional development.
Your final piece of work will be a Dissertation, which must be a substantial, research-based piece of work that demonstrates your knowledge, ideas and professional skills.
